No dig for leak repairs project
Project highlights
We're working on repairing hidden leaks in water mains without needing to excavate.
Ofwat project funding
Collaboration
Project status
Challenge: Repairing leaks with minimal disruption
Most leaks in our water mains are hidden underground. Excavation would be needed in order to access and repair them. This process can cause significant disruption to traffic, businesses, and residents. We're committed to finding a better way.
Solution: A no-dig approach
We're developing a groundbreaking "no-dig" leak repair technology. The technology will be inserted into a water main through existing hydrants. It will precisely pinpoint hidden leaks and assess suitability for a no-dig repair. If a leak is suitable, the technology will perform a permanent repair from inside the water main.
This technology offers many benefits including:
- No impact on water quality ensuring the safety of drinking water
- Maintaining uninterrupted water service for customers
- Eliminating the need for digging, minimising traffic and other disruptions
- Reducing repair time, leading to less water loss
- Offering a more economical approach to leak repair
- Improving safety for workers and the public
- Reducing noise pollution associated with traditional repairs
- Minimising environmental impact
- Contributing to a more sustainable approach
Timeline and collaboration
The £6.04 million project funded by Ofwat is expected to take four and a half years. The aim is to develop a commercially viable working prototype by January 2029.
We're working in partnership with:
- Affinity Water
- Anglian Water
- Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water
- South-East Water
- Southern Water
- Sutton and East Surrey Water Limited
- Synthotech Ltd
- Transport for London
- Uisce Éireann
- University of Sheffield
- Yorkshire Water